Firing Brady Hoke 'Wasn't Easy Decision'

Sam Webb

12/02/2014

Michigan Interim Director of Athletics Jim Hackett relieved Jim Hackett of his duties as the head football coach. Despite being on the job for less than a month he made it clear, this was not an easy decision.

Jim Hackett promised to be considerate of Brady Hoke’s accomplishments, but also acutely cognizant of his obvious shortcomings. In his official statement detailing why he dismissed Hoke after four years he conveyed how evident it was that the negatives clearly outweighed the positives.

"I met with Coach Hoke today and informed him of my decision to make a change in the leadership of our football program," said Hackett. "This was not an easy decision given the level of respect that I have for Brady. He has done a great job of molding these young men, making them accountable to their teammates, focusing them on success in the classroom and in the community. I wanted to make sure that Brady received adequate time to exhibit the results that would come from his effort and I believe that Brady and our coaching staff had enough time to produce those results and unfortunately they are not there. In the end, I feel that moving in a different direction is the right decision. I wish Brady and his family all the best in the future."

"I feel very fortunate to have been an assistant and head coach at the University of Michigan," said Hoke. "I will always support the University and this football program. This is a special place and one that Laura, Kelly and I have enjoyed representing during our time in Ann Arbor. I want to thank all of the sons that played for our teams and appreciate the commitment that our coaches and support staff made to the program every day. I will miss the relationships that I've been fortunate enough to make within this university and community. I additionally appreciate all of the support that our fans, alumni, students, administration and former players have provided our program. I leave with fond memories of my experience at Michigan. Thanks and Go Blue!"

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